In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind the recent addition of podcasts to YouTube Music and its potential impact on the audio entertainment landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Podcasts are now available on YouTube Music for users in the US.
- Background listening and offline streaming will be available for free.
- The feature is set to improve YouTube Music’s competitiveness against rivals like Spotify.
- Podcasts will be accessible across iOS, Android, and web platforms.
- Creators are advised to consider various video formats for audio-only podcasts.
Podcasts Debut on YouTube Music
At last, podcasts have made their way to YouTube Music for users residing in the United States. This groundbreaking update will allow users to enjoy a variety of podcasts on the YouTube Music app.
Along with this, on-demand and offline streams will be accessible, supporting background listening without the need for a Premium subscription.
This move is indeed a game-changer, as it enhances the user experience and offers more variety to listeners.
First announced at The Verge’s Hot Pod Summit in February, YouTube Music’s podcast feature is now gradually rolling out to users.
With a dedicated podcast tab in the YouTube Music app, users can browse through numerous shows previously limited to the main YouTube app.
Furthermore, listeners can effortlessly switch between audio and video versions of a podcast while using YouTube Music.
Competing with Spotify
Introducing podcasts to YouTube Music will undoubtedly help the platform compete against popular rivals such as Spotify.
Earlier this week, Spotify announced that it had reached 500 million monthly active users.
In comparison, YouTube Music and Premium subscribers amounted to around 80 million as of last November. Spotify also boasts a user base of approximately 210 million paying subscribers.
By expanding its offerings to include podcasts, YouTube Music is positioning itself as a viable alternative to Spotify and other leading music streaming services.
Seamless Cross-Platform Experience
Currently, podcasts on YouTube Music are only available for users in the US. However, the company has plans to expand this feature to other countries in the near future.
Listeners can access the podcast feature on the YouTube Music app across iOS, Android, and web platforms. This ensures a seamless cross-platform experience for all users.
The ability to switch between audio and video versions of podcasts on YouTube Music allows for a smooth and uninterrupted listening experience. Users can now enjoy podcasts while engaging in other activities or even while on the go.
Podcasts for All: Premium Subscription Not Required
One noteworthy aspect of the YouTube Music podcast update is that listeners do not need a YouTube Premium subscription to enjoy the new features.
All users, regardless of their subscription status, will be able to listen to podcasts on YouTube Music.
It is important to mention that paying customers may still encounter host-read endorsements or sponsorship messages while listening to podcasts on YouTube Music.
Nonetheless, this update offers a range of benefits to both free and premium users.
Creator Guidelines and Uploading Options
As podcasts become available on YouTube Music, creators should be aware of the guidelines and uploading options provided by the platform. According to YouTube, creators who make podcasts with only audio should think about uploading a video that has a picture that doesn’t move, or try using audiograms or other types of videos that change.
This ensures that their content is visually appealing and compatible with the platform’s video-centric nature.
In the coming days, YouTube will allow content creators to upload their audio podcasts using RSS feeds directly on both YouTube and YouTube Music. This streamlined process will make it easier for podcasters to reach their target audience and gain exposure on the platform.
Conclusion
The introduction of podcasts on YouTube Music marks a significant milestone in the audio entertainment industry.
This update, which offers features like background listening and offline streaming, is expected to propel YouTube Music into direct competition with platforms like Spotify.
As the company continues to roll out this update to users across the globe, the seamless integration of video and audio podcasts will provide a unique and engaging listening experience for millions of users.
Creators, on the other hand, have the opportunity to expand their reach and connect with a broader audience through YouTube Music’s podcast feature.